Clip-on Shoe Strap

ABSTRACT

An architecture is presented that provides a shoe strap device designed to secure a shoe to a user&#39;s foot. The shoe strap device comprises a strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a first attachment device is secured to the first end of the strap and a second attachment device is secured to the second end of the strap. Typically, the attachment devices comprises a clip, a hook, a button, a snap or a hook and loop fastener that attaches to both sides of the shoe or other footwear device, which positions the strap over the top of a user&#39;s foot. Furthermore, the attachment devices of the shoe strap device are removably secured to an inside or outside of the shoe. Once the attachment devices are secured to both sides of the shoe, the strap is then secured over the dorsal portion of the user&#39;s foot.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/471,249 filed Apr. 4, 2011.

BACKGROUND

Many women or men find that shoes or other footwear devices have a tendency to slip off the back of the wearer's heels when walking. Specifically, women often become frustrated with high heel shoes when the heel portion of the shoe continuously slips off the back of the wearer's heel. The continuous slippage can make it difficult for the wearer to function in the shoes, and can cause chafing or blisters to form on the wearer's heels resulting in discomfort or further irritation. Additionally, continuous slippage can also cause the wearer to fall or become injured. Also, if the shoe or other footwear device slips off, there is a possibility that the heel of the shoe will break off. Further, many women purchase shoes solely because they have straps, even if the shoes are not their desired design choice option. Consequently, an effective solution is necessary.

There is a need for a shoe strap that is designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot, and that prevents continuous slippage. The present invention discloses a shoe strap device designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe strap device can be used to secure stiletto heels, pumps, wedges, mules, and any other type of shoe that does not have adequate support over the top of the foot. Further, the shoe strap device of the present invention comprises an adjustable strap that can be clipped onto each side of the shoe to ensure that the user's foot does not slip out of the shoe, which prevents or reduces the likelihood of injury. Anyone that has shoes or other footwear devices that have a tendency to slip off the back of their heels when walking will appreciate the security and comfort that this invention affords.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a shoe strap device designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe strap device comprises a strap comprising a first end and a second end. The shoe strap device further comprises a first attachment device secured to the first end of the strap and a second attachment device secured to the second end of the strap for securing the strap to a shoe or other footwear device. Typically, the attachment devices comprise a clip. The clips attach to both sides of the shoe or other footwear device and position the strap over the top of a user's foot to secure the shoe in place on the user's foot.

Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clips of the shoe strap device are removably secured to an outside of the shoe. A user opens the clips, spreading apart the front and back sides of the clips, and then engages the side of the shoe with the clips. Thus, the strap is removably secured to an outside of the shoe via securing the clips to each side of the outside of the shoe. The strap is then secured over the dorsal portion of the user's foot. Additionally, the strap can be removably secured to an inside of the shoe via utilizing at least one of a hook, a button, a snap, etc. Specifically, the strap would be secured to the inside of the shoe via securing the at least one of the hook, the button, or the snap to each side of the inside of the shoe. Furthermore, the strap could be attached in multiple ways to the shoe. The strap is then secured over the dorsal portion of the user's foot.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shoe strap device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the clip device on each side of the shoe strap device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrates a perspective view of how the clip device is removably secured to each side of the outside of the shoe in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the shoe strap device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the shoe strap device in use on a variety of different shoe styles in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a shoe strap device that is designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot, and that prevents continuous slippage. The shoe strap device can be used to secure stiletto heels, pumps, flats, wedges, mules, sandals, flip flops, and any other type of shoe or other footwear device that does not have support over the top of the foot or the back of the heel. Further, the shoe strap device comprises an adjustable strap that can be clipped onto each side of the shoe to ensure that the user's foot does not slip out of the shoe, which prevents possible injuries. The shoe strap device can be used on any style of shoe or other footwear device that has the tendency to slip off the back of a user's heels when walking. The shoe strap device can be manufactured in a variety of solid colors or patterns, or may be available in various designs and may include beads, gems, rhinestones, or other accessories as is known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe strap device 100 designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe strap device 100 comprises a strap 102 comprising a first end 104, a second end 106, sides 108, a top surface 109 and a bottom surface 110. Typically, the strap 102 is an elongated, generally rectangular-shaped piece of material, however any other suitable shape, such as a cord, can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The strap 102 would generally be constructed of cotton, nylon, or other polymers, and combined with elastomers and other stretchable fabrics, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the strap 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The strap 102 is approximately between 6 and 8 inches in length as measured from first end 104 to second end 106, approximately between ½ and 1 inches wide as measured between sides 108, and approximately between 1 and 5 millimeters thick, as measured from top surface 109 to bottom surface 110. However, the measurements would vary depending on the user.

Additionally, the strap 102 can be adjustable to fit a variety of varying sizes of shoes and/or users. The strap 102 is adjustable via a slide 111, or any other suitable mechanism for allowing length adjustment of the strap 102, as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The slides 111 are commonly made of plastic and nylon coated metal, or stainless steel, but could be made of any other suitable material as is known in the art. The slides 111 have the appearance of a typically constructed slide as is known in the art and comprises a crossbar recessed below the planes of the slides 111, which limits sliding on the strap 102. The strap 102 passes around the crossbar or directly through one of the slots of the slide 111 to a ring or other bracket 113, and returns through that slot across the crossbar and through the other slot in the slide 111 to secure the slide 111 to the strap 102.

The shoe strap device 100 further comprises a first attachment device 112 secured to the first end 104 of the strap 102 and a second attachment device 114 secured to the second end 106 of the strap 102 for securing the strap 102 to a shoe or other footwear device. The attachment devices 112 and 114 are secured to the strap 102 via a ring or bracket 113, or any other suitable mechanism as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The rings or brackets 113 are used for joining the strap 102 to the attachment devices 112 and 114 to allow length adjustment and can be in any shape, for example circular, rectangular, triangular or even heart and flower shaped. The rings or brackets 113 are commonly made of plastic and nylon coated metal, or stainless steel, but could be made of any other suitable material as is known in the art. Typically, the strap 102 will loop through the ring or bracket 113 and is secured to itself via stitching, welding, gluing, etc., or any other suitable method of securement.

Additionally, the attachment devices 112 and 114 are commonly made of a plastic polymer, such as nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, but could be made of any other suitable material as is known in the art. The first and second attachment devices 112 and 114 can comprise at least one of a clip, a hook, a button, a snap, or a hook and loop fastener (Velcro®), or any other suitable attachment device as is known in the art. Typically, the attachment devices 112 and 114 comprise a clip, however if any of the other devices are used, the strap 102 will be attached to the inside of the shoe. The clips attach to both sides of the shoe or other footwear device and position the strap 102 over the top of a user's foot to secure the shoe in place on the user's foot.

FIG. 2 illustrates the clip (attachment devices) 112 and 114 on each side of the shoe strap device 100. The clips 112 and 114 comprise a front side 200 and a back side 202, which are secured together to form a hinge 204. Additionally, the front side 200 and the back side 202 can be an integral part of the clips 112 and 114, and the clips 112 and 114 can be manufactured as a one-piece article, without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, an interior part 206 of the front side 200 of the clips 112 and 114 comprises a non-slip grip surface 208, or any other suitable material for gripping and securing to an outside of a shoe, but not damaging the shoe. The interior part 210 of the back side 202 of the clips 112 and 114 comprises teeth 212 for gripping, or any other suitable material for gripping and securing to an inside of a shoe. The teeth 212 would typically be made of the same material that the clips 112 and 114 are made out of, or any other suitable material. Specifically, the clips 112 and 114 have teeth 212 for gripping on the inside of the shoe and a non-slip grip surface 208 on the opposite side. The smooth non-slip grip 208 goes on the outside of the shoe, while the teeth 212 will engage the inside of the shoe. Thus, the clips 112 and 114 can then be secured to both sides of the shoes, positioning the strap 102 over top of the user's foot.

FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate how the clips 112 and 114 are removably secured to each side 302 of the shoe 300. A user opens the clips 112 and 114, spreading apart the front side 200 and the back side 202 of the clips 112 and 114, and then applies force to push the front side 200 and the back side 202 together, engaging the side 302 of the shoe 300. Thus, the strap 102 is removably secured to an outside of the shoe 300 or other footwear device via securing the clips 112 and 114 to each side 302 of the outside of the footwear device. The strap 102 is then secured over the dorsal (top) portion of the user's foot. Specifically, the strap 102 can be secured on the dorsal portion of a user's foot closer to a user's ankle or farther away from a user's ankle depending on the wants and needs of a user, and what is more comfortable for the user when wearing shoes.

Furthermore, the strap 102 can be removably secured to an inside of the shoe 300 or other footwear device via utilizing at least one of a hook, a button, a snap, etc., or any other suitable device as is known in the art. An attachment component (not shown) is secured inside the shoe 300 and the hook, button or snap, etc. would matingly engage the attachment component inside the shoe 300 to secure the strap 102 to each side of the inside of the shoe 300. Specifically, the strap 102 would be secured to the inside of the shoe 300 or other footwear device via securing the at least one of the hook, the button, or the snap to each side of the inside of the footwear device. The strap 102 is then secured over the dorsal (top) portion of the user's foot. Specifically, the strap 102 can be secured on the dorsal portion of a user's foot closer to a user's ankle or farther away from a user's ankle depending on the wants and needs of a user, and what is more comfortable for the user when wearing shoes.

Additionally, the strap 102 can be secured on other portions of a user's foot and not just on the dorsal portion. Depending on the wants and needs of a user and/or the design of the specific shoe that is being worn, the strap 102 can be positioned on any portion of a user's foot that is necessary for securing the shoe to a user's foot. For example, the strap can be removably secured around a heel of a user, if the user is wearing a mule, a slide, or a flip flop, or any other similar open-backed shoes as is known in the art. The strap 102 would be secured to either end of the back of the shoes, and would be secured the same as if the strap 102 was secured over the dorsal portion of the user's foot, specifically the strap 102 would be secured via clips to the outside of the shoe or secured via a hook, a button, a snap, etc. to the inside of the shoe.

FIG. 4 illustrates the shoe strap device 100 in use. In operation, a user upon choosing a pair of shoes 400 to wear; will choose a shoe strap device 100 to wear with the shoes 400. After the user inserts his or her foot into the shoe, the user will then open the clips 112 and 114, spreading apart the front side and the back side of the clips 112 and 114. A user then positions the clips 112 and 114 over a side of the shoe 400 and applies force to push the front side and the back side together, engaging the side of the shoe 400 and securing the clips 112 and 114 in place. Once the clips 112 and 114 are in position, a user can then adjust the strap 102 to a desired length. The shoe 400 is then secured to the user's foot and prevents or reduces the likelihood that a user's foot will slip out of the shoe and cause injury. Thus, users will appreciate the security and comfort that the shoe strap device 100 of the present invention affords.

FIG. 5 illustrates the shoe strap device 100 in use on a variety of different shoe styles. The shoe strap device 100 can be used to secure stiletto heels, pumps, flats, wedges, mules, sandals, flip flops, and any other type of shoe or other footwear device that does not have support over the top of the foot or the back of the heel, as is known in the art. The shoe strap device 100 can be manufactured in a variety of solid colors or patterns, or may be available in various designs and may include beads, gems, rhinestones, or other accessories on the top surface, as is known in the art. The shoe strap device 100 can be used on any style of shoe or other footwear device as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

1. A shoe strap accessory device for securing a strapless footwear device to a user's foot, the shoe strap accessory device comprising: a strap comprising a first end and a second end; and a first attachment device secured to the first end of the strap and a second attachment device secured to the second end of the strap for removably securing the strap to a footwear device.
 2. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment devices are at least one of a clip, a hook, a button, a snap, or a hook and loop fastener.
 3. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 2, wherein the first and second attachment devices are clips.
 4. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 3, wherein the clips comprise a front side and a back side, which are secured together to form a hinge.
 5. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 4, wherein an interior part of the front side of the clips comprises a non-slip grip.
 6. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 5, wherein an interior part of the back side of the clips comprises teeth for gripping.
 7. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 6, wherein the strap is secured to the clips via being threaded through a bracket on the clips.
 8. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 6, wherein the strap is removably secured to an outside of the footwear device via securing the clips to each side of the outside of the footwear device, and over a top portion of a user's foot.
 9. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 2, wherein the strap is removably secured to an inside of the footwear device via securing at least one of the hook, the button, the snap, or the hook and loop fastener to each side of the inside of the footwear device, over a top portion of a user's foot.
 10. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 8, wherein the strap is removably secured around a heel of a user.
 11. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable.
 12. A shoe strap accessory device comprising: an adjustable strap comprising a first end and a second end; and a first clip device secured to the first end of the adjustable strap and a second clip device secured to the second end of the adjustable strap for securing the strap to a shoe.
 13. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 12, wherein the first clip and the second clip each comprise a front side and a back side, which are secured together to form a hinge.
 14. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 13, wherein an interior part of the front side of the first clip and the second clip comprises a non-slip grip.
 15. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 14, wherein an interior part of the back side of the first clip and the second clip comprises teeth for gripping.
 16. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 15, wherein the strap is secured to the first clip and the second clip via being threaded through a bracket positioned on the first clip and the second clip.
 17. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 16, wherein the strap is removably secured to an outside of the shoe via securing the first clip and the second clip to each side of the outside of the shoe, over top of foot of a user.
 18. A shoe strap accessory device, comprising: an adjustable strap comprising a first end and a second end; and a first hook device secured to the first end of the adjustable strap and a second hook device secured to the second end of the adjustable strap for securing the strap to a shoe.
 19. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 18, wherein the strap is secured to the first hook and the second hook via being threaded through a bracket positioned on the first hook and the second hook.
 20. The shoe strap accessory device of claim 19, wherein the strap is removably secured to an inside of the shoe via securing the first hook and the second hook to each side of the inside of the shoe, over top of foot of a user. 